Novak Conversions Jeep Wrangler YJ radiators

Will automatic transmission from 89 XJ fit 90 YJ?

Roman78

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Joined
Dec 4, 2024
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2
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Waco
I have a 1990 yj that I got for my daughter and it’s a manual 5 speed. I have an automatic transmission from an 89 xj with the transfer case. I want to know Would that work in her Jeep because not familiar with what can interchange with these.
 
Most likely, the XJ transmission is the AW4 if behind the 4.0 I-6, so while it technically may bolt up if you have the 4.2 I-6 in the YJ, it requires a stand alone controller due to electronics. YJs use the 30RH (904) if 4cy and the 32RH (999) if I-6. I'd imagine the YJ PCM will also need to be swapped to match the transmission. If it's the 4 cylinder, those were only available for 94 and 95, so finding a PCM would be... interesting...

Is there a legit reason for her to avoid driving a stick? They really are fun and a YJ will be pretty forgiving to learn on. The bad part is the internal slave cylinder on the pre 94s. If it needs replaced, bite the bullet and do the external conversion.

I no longer do due to left knee issues, but personally, love a standard shift. My previous daily was a 6 speed 4th gen Trans Am WS6. Fun car. Aftermarket, heavy clutch. Had to let it go eventually. At least the wife's Miata has a very light clutch...:LOL:
 
You can swap it as mentioned above; but I wouldn’t want to. They are longer, which in a YJ means you have to shorten an already very short driveshaft. They are also pigs as transmissions, building quite a bit of heat and they feel sluggish unless you gear the axles deep. If I was doing an auto conversion, it would be with the stock 3 speed. But I strongly prefer the manual myself and advise to just stick with that.
 
You can swap it as mentioned above; but I wouldn’t want to. They are longer, which in a YJ means you have to shorten an already very short driveshaft. They are also pigs as transmissions, building quite a bit of heat and they feel sluggish unless you gear the axles deep. If I was doing an auto conversion, it would be with the stock 3 speed. But I strongly prefer the manual myself and advise to just stick with that.

Can't agree with this statement more. Not to mention all the other odds and ends you will need from a donor to make that swap work. I would just spend the time and teach her how to drive the manual. It's a great skill for her to learn anyway and the YJ manual would be pretty easy to learn on.
 
Novak Conversions Jeep Wrangler YJ radiators